Catholic News Nottingham July 2022

ISSUE 302 July 2022 20p WHERE SOLD

Catholic News MORE THAN 23 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER

Published by Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk

“The Canonisation of the “Universal Brother”, Saint Charles de Foucauld.”

By Fr Jonathan Cotton See Page 11 Celebrating Our Own Platinum Jubilarian Fr Robert Rutledge celebrates 70 years of Priestly Ministry See Page 4

Confirmation Celebration at St Barnabas Cathedral N

ow the wait was over, the preparation was completed and the candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation were ready to meet the Holy Spirit, on the 5 June celebrated by Bishop Patrick at the 11.15am Holy Mass on Pentecost Sunday as well as Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. Congratulations to all the newly confirmed with huge gratitude to the catechists as well.

The wonderful service was followed by a selection of celebratory cakes and nibbles in the Cathedral Hall which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A Platinum Jubilee Hamper was drawn with all funds raised to assist the Cathedral Maintenance Fund.

Submitted on behalf of St Barnabas Cathedral

Newark Parish welcomes Town Mayor and Mayoress Canon Michael O’Donoghue parish priest of The Church of the Holy Trinity in Newark welcomed parishioners Clr Laurence Goff and his wife Jean , the newly elected Newark town Mayor and Mayoress at the 10.30am Mass on the feast of the Holy Trinity. Fr Michael said Laurence was most deserving of being Mayor and that the parish is grateful for his sterling work throughout the town and Deanery. At a reception afterwards Town Mayor Goff said he wished to be a Mayor for all people and that he would strive to work for the benefit of everyone.

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The Catholic News. July 2022

SVP – What We Do

MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham

This series looks at key people who helped shape the SVP

Blessed Rosalie Rendu – Part 2 Editor: John Clawson Editorial Office: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Website: www.bellcourtltd.co.uk Distribution enquiries: Nick Layton e-mail nick@cathcom.org, Bellcourt Limited, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese.

Publishers and Owners: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 0207 112 6710 Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors.

Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor

Wanted - Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper. All items to be emailed to johnclwson@icloud.com before 10th of the month

With Sr Rosalie’s growing influence and reputation in Paris regarding her help and support for those in need , she attracted many people to her door asking for her advice and counsel in these matters.

Among these was Frederic Ozanam and his young friends, seeking her advice. She was the centre of a charitable movement that characterized Paris and France in the first half of the 19th century and her experience was priceless for these young people. She directed their apostolate, guided their coming and going in the suburbs, and gave them addresses of families in need, choosing them with care. Indeed it is fair to say that Sr Rosalie was largely responsible for the successful development and growth of the SVP in its early stages. It was she who advised Frederic to adopt St Vincent as their patron.

uprisings of July 1830 and February 1848, barricades and bloody battles were the marks of the opposition of the working class stirred up against the powerful. The Archbishop of Paris was killed trying to intervene between the fighting factions. Sr. Rosalie was deeply grieved. She herself climbed the barricades to try and help the wounded fighters irrespective of the side they were fighting on. Without any fear, she risked her life in these confrontations. Her courage and sense of freedom commanded the admiration of all.

When order was re-established, she tried to save a number of these people she knew and who were victims of fierce repression. She was helped a great deal by the mayor of the district, Dr. Ulysse Trélat, a true republican, who was also very popular.

In 1852, Napoleon III decided to give her the Cross of the Legion of Honour. She was ready to refuse this individual honour but Fr Jean Baptiste Etienne, head of the Priests of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity, prevailed upon her to accept it.

Frederic Ozanam and Sr Rosalie Rendu Hardships were not lacking in the districts of Paris. Epidemics of cholera followed one after another. Lack of hygiene and poverty fostered its virulence. Most particularly in 1832 and 1846, the dedication shown and risks taken by Sr. Rosalie and her Sisters were beyond imagination. She herself was seen picking up dead bodies in the streets. During the

Always in fragile health, Sr. Rosalie never took a moment of rest, always managing to overcome fatigue and fevers. However, age, increasing infirmity, and the amount of work needing to be done eventually broke her strong resistance and equally strong will.

During the last two years of her life she became progressively blind. She died on 7 February 1856 after a brief acute illness.

Emotions ran high in the district and at all levels of society in both Paris and the countryside. After the funeral rite at St Médard church in her parish, a large and emotional crowd followed her remains to the Montparnasse Cemetery. They came to show

FRANKLY SPEAKING There is no doubt the Platinum Jubilee celebrations brought great joy to many thousands of people.

was right we do need to have “Hope” but surely the country and our place in the world also needs both Faith and Charity as well.

In London the 4 days brought great numbers of people to the capital which also highlighted the sheer diversity of the face of modern Britain. Those of us who can recall that wet and soggy Coronation day in 1953 can hardly grasp the changes in our country that Queen Elizabeth has reigned over. It was therefore equally important that the next 70 years were highlighted by the Duke of Cambridge and particularly his plea that “there is always room for hope.”

One MP Sir Norman Lamb who retired at the 2019 General Election campaigned strongly on the issues of mental health. This man’s concern for mental health issues were often sympathetically received but I did often wonder if he was a lone voice. One poll recently reveled that of those 70 year olds whose life co-incided with the Queen’s reign some 24 per cent suffered loneliness. Sad as this is we often do not consider that workingage people can also be affected by loneliness, but in fact they are. The loss of employment can lead to fewer social contacts, less money to spend and at least the possibility of mental health problems. So what do we mean by loneliness? What can society do to reduce this problem?

No sooner had the Platinum Jubilee celebrations ended we witnessed a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister. The month of June seemed destined for mayor political disagreements not least in Northern Ireland. What the nation made of this remains to be seen but Price William

their respect for the works she had accomplished and show their affection for this “out of the ordinary” Sister.

There are many more areas of concern in our country as the Government assures us they

are getting on with the job in these post Platinum Jubilee days. The need for our food banks to continually re-stock, one Yorkshire City spending £5 million on hotel expenses for the homeless with the cost of housing and renting causing despair to many young people, and sadly much more.

So Prince William was right to speak of “Hope” for the future, perhaps it was appropriate for Christians that these remarks came on the weekend of Pentecost Sunday.

On that day we witnessed the example of Mary the Mother of God with the company of the Apostles and disciples who persevered with prayer.

We can just do our best, and make everyone welcome in our churches.

Frank Goulding Holy Trinity Parish, Newark

Sr. Rosalie's tomb at Montparnasse cemetery Numerous newspaper articles witnessed to the admiration and even veneration that Sr. Rosalie received. Newspapers from all sides echoed the sentiments of the people.

Numerous visitors flocked to the Montparnasse Cemetery. They went to meditate at the tomb of the one who was their salvation. But it was difficult to find the gravesite reserved for the Daughters of Charity. The body was then moved to a more accessible site, close to the entrance of the cemetery. On the simple tomb surmounted by a large Cross are engraved these words: “To Sister Rosalie, from her grateful friends, the rich and the poor.” Anonymous hands brought flowers and continue to bring flowers to this gravesite: a lasting yet discreet homage to this humble Daughter of St. Vincent de Paul.

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Long to reign over us Celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee took place, across the land from shore to shore, over the course of a four day weekend from June 2nd to 5th and in Lincoln, on Sunday 5th June, the Feast of Pentecost, St Hugh’s Church held a tea party for this momentous occasion. Over eighty people attended including both clergy and parishioners.

At her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II, received anew the gifts of the Holy Spirit to undertake her special calling, when she was blessed through prayer and anointing with Holy Oils; seventy years later she is being lauded for her long years of faithful service to the country and it is an opportune moment for the parish hall committee, almost all of whom are retired and have been serving together on the committee for twenty years, to receive recognition too. Too many to name, they regularly put on feasts throughout the year, for example at Christmas and St Patrick’s day, together with hosting quiz nights and providing refreshments after special Masses, as well as cooking for Deanery meetings; always putting in many, many hours of work to enable others to both dine well and have fun (and always in style), whilst usually raising money for the parish and other charities at the same time.

Fit for a queen, the Jubilee tea party was no exception, with the hall beautifully decorated, tables set with fine china crockery and the food copious as well as delicious. The suggested dress code of wearing red, white and blue was taken up by many people and whilst no one ventured to wear a Union Jack dress à la Ginger Spice (perhaps it was the weather) one man did sport a Union Jack shirt. The Queen even graced us with her presence in the form of a life size cardboard cutout. United to form one family, everyone present, adult and child alike, appeared to enjoy themselves, yet distant, less fortunate members of God’s family were not forgotten with some of the money raised being donated to the Ukraine appeal.

Through the course of the afternoon fruits of the Holy Spirit were evident in a myriad of ways and following the tea party there was evening Mass, where there was the chance to sing with heart and voice the National

Anthem ‘God save the Queen’ and to offer thanks to God, King of all Kings and ultimate example of servanthood ... thanks for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the example she sets us all by her joyful obedience to her vocation, thanks for the hall committee for their ongoing service to the parish and for organising what proved to be a happy and glorious afternoon - the perfect end to an uplifting Jubilee weekend, thanks for our priests without whom there would be no Mass, and most of all, thanks for sending the Holy Spirit - long may He reign over us, ever inspiring and sustaining us to serve in whatever ways He calls us to.

God save us all!

Jo

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The Catholic News. July 2022

Celebrating Our Own Platinum Jubilarian Fr Robert Rutledge celebrates 70 years of Priestly Ministry Here in the Diocese, our very own Fr Robert Rutledge marked 70 years of priestly ministry on the 31st May, the Feast of the Visitation.

He was ordained for our diocese at St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina in 1952. Over the years he has served in Scunthorpe, Nottingham, tried his vocation at Mount St Bernard Abbey and then continued to serve as a secular priest at Mansfield, back to Scunthorpe, Grantham and Ashby-de-laZouch. Fr Robert served the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ashby between 1975 and 1988, before returning to Ashby in 2014 in his retirement.

It was at Our Lady of Lourdes that Bishop Patrick celebrated Mass to mark the occasion of Fr Robert’s Platinum Jubilee, on Tuesday 31st May 2022. Fr Robert was joined by a number of priests, family, friends and former parishioners, including his cousin Fr Mícheál Comer who had come from Ireland.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool and previous Bishop of Nottingham, sent his greetings for the occasion. It was a joyful Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by celebrations in the parish crypt.

Fr Colin Patey, preaching on the Visitation, opened by relating Mary’s care for her elderly cousin Elizabeth to Fr Robert’s care for his parishioners.

‘Fr Robert has shared with me on numerous occasions his belief in the importance of the priest visiting his parishioners, and I know from many of those parishioners here in Ashby that he was always faithful to that task.

Why did Fr Robert visit so faithfully? He has constantly told me that he could not bear the thought of any of his parishioners failing to get to heaven through any neglect of his.

Indeed, I remember a dramatic expression he once used. He told me that a priest’s purgatory would include being told what more he could have done for the salvation of the souls of his people.’

Speaking of Fr Robert’s longing for eternal life, Fr Colin said, ‘I have often felt, that for Fr Robert, the next world is nearer to us that than Measham or Coalville. He has often talked about the joy of being reunited with loved ones and parishioners he has helped on their journey to God. I guess it’s the most

A Royal Tattoo at Alfreton's monthly lunch

important thing I have gained from him since he returned to Ashby eight years ago. He speaks, too, of Blessed Cyprian Tansi, whom he knew well at Mount St Bernard.

Sometimes he has wondered why Blessed Cyprian hasn’t yet come to take him home to God. I’m sure that Fr Robert will ask him why he took so long when they meet again in the choir of heaven!’

Biography by Fr Colin Patey and Marie Allen Father Robert was born in 1928. His, mother, who should know, told him his birthday was 3rd July, but the state records show his birth as 12th July. He was baptised on 5th July, so presumably mum was right!

When he was thirteen, he entered St Muredach’s College, Ballina, the Killala Diocesan Junior Seminary. At the end of his third year his father died suddenly making life very hard for his mother, Robert, and his siblings, Violet, and Francis. At eighteen he moved to St Peter’s Seminary, Wexford. He describes it as being a bitterly cold place both in temperature and in discipline. During his philosophy studies, Bishop Ellis accepted him for Nottingham Diocese and sent him a message to proceed to Oscott for theology.

Christ the King Alfreton's monthly lunches are developing into themes. The July lunch is penciled in for July 4th, America's Independence Day. But there was no doubt the theme for the June 6th lunch. Following grace from guest Fr. Jim O'Hanlon and a toast to the Queen; parishioners and guests sat down to a cabaret lunch. Serenaded by 'The Priests' CD, bingo during desert/tea/coffee and then afternoon entertainment from 'The Three Amigos', with apologies to Val Doonican , Don McLean and Les Dawson !

He arrived at Birmingham station having no idea where to find St Mary’s College. A friendly passer-by put him on the right bus, paid his fare, and asked the conductor to put him off at the college gates. The welcome and the regime were so much warmer than Wexford that he initially feared he had turned up at an Anglican College by mis- take! He continues to speak of Oscott with the greatest of affection and is proud of its links with St John Henry Newman and the “Second Spring Sermon”. During his time there, Mgr Ronnie Knox gave a retreat, and young Robert served Mass for him one day. Mgr Knox put his stole on with such enthusiasm that he managed to

lasso the young seminarian behind him in the sacristy.

He was ordained for our diocese at St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on 31st May 1952. He was a curate at Holy Souls, Scunthorpe and then St Augustine’s, Nottingham. He tried his vocation at Mount St Bernard where he and Blessed Cyprian Tansi served Mass for each other. It became clear that the Cistercian life was not for him, though he still speaks affectionately of the Abbey and has stayed in touch with some of the community. He moved on to St Philip Neri, Mansfield, but contracted TB and was ad- mitted to Ransome Sanatorium. Then he was sent back to Scunthorpe, this time to St Bernadette’s, and from there to St Mary’s Grantham. He received his first appointment as parish priest in 1961 and moved from the plains of the East of the Diocese to the hills of the West at All Saints, Ashbourne. In 1975 he moved to Our Lady of Lourdes Ashbyde-la-Zouch. His health was never good and in 1988 Bishop McGuin- ness gave him permission to retire. He returned to his home village in Newtown- Cloghans, Co Mayo.

In 2014 he moved back to our diocese and initially lived independently in a flat in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. During the first lockdown in 2020 he gave up his flat and moved in with Marie and Bill Allen, not far away. He regularly celebrated the Saturday evening Mass at St Charles, Measham until the first lockdown and celebrated or con- celebrated the weekday Masses at Ashby until his stroke in January 2021. After some time in hospital, he moved to a nursing home in Ashby, where he remains at the time of writing. At the time of his Golden Jubilee, he quoted some words of Pope Leo XIII in the Year Book: “Why set limits to the providence of God?”. He said he looked forward to his 75th Anniversary. Only five years to go, Father. Ad multos annos!

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The Catholic News. July 2022

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Friendship Group Platinum Jubilee Party After weeks of planning, we, the Friendship Club members of the Good Shepherd Church, Arnold, began to get things ready for our Platinum Jubilee Party Celebration. On Monday, we started an early decoration of the Marian Hall in the parish centre with bunting and flags. On Wednesday we continued with the set up of tables, decorating them all, themed in the colours of red, white and blue.

We had transformed the hall completely, a festive spirit ready to party!

Meanwhile, in kitchens all over Woodthorpe and Arnold friends were busy baking, producing delicious cakes while the Club treasurer was off to the shops for more supplies ( worn out already).

Thursday morning arrived, final preparations were completed and we were now ready to receive our guests.

From 1pm friends began to arrive decked out in red, white and blue outfits, very fitting for the occasion.

We had a raffle followed by the screening of a film of the Queens Coronation before the party got started!

We opened with our prayer followed by the National Anthem and a toast to Her Majesty. 🥂 Delicious afternoon tea was served, flags were waved, songs were sung, as well as performing the okey cokey, some ukelele music with everyone having a wonderful time.

By 4pm we were all (knackered) oops, worn out but very happy. Tidying up took us till 5.30pm and oh, how wonderful that cup of tea was! A big, big thank you to a brilliant team with many blessings to Her Majesty, the Queen. We love you Ma’am. God bless.

Pope to elevate Archbishop Arthur Roche to rank of Cardinal

CAFOD celebrates 60 years with special Mass at St George’s Cathedral CAFOD is 60 years old this year, a milestone that was marked with a special Mass at 12.30pm on Friday 10 June at St. George’s Cathedral in Southwark, London.

The acclaimed London Community Gospel Choir, which has backed stars such as Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Gorillaz and Kylie Minogue, will sing at the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Stephen Wright from Birmingham and a Trustee of CAFOD. The event will be live-streamed.

Archbishop Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, will be elevated to the rank of Cardinal in a Consistory on Saturday, 27 August 2022.

Pope Francis has announced the forthcoming creation of 21 Cardinals from around the world.

Two days after the Consistory, on 29-30 August, the Pope will meet with all the cardinals to reflect on the new Apostolic Constitution Praedicate evangelium.

The College of Cardinals currently consists of 208 Cardinals, of whom 117 are electors and 91 non-electors. As of 27 August, the number will grow to 229 Cardinals, of whom 131 will be electors.

Eight of the newly named Cardinals are from Europe, six from Asia, two from Africa, one from North America, and four from Central and Latin America.

CAFOD traces its origins to a team of women, led by Jacquie Stuyt and Elspeth Orchard, who came together with Catholic women’s organisations to organise the first Family Fast Day in 1960. The initiative was so successful that two years later, CAFOD was registered as an official charity.

Sixty years on, CAFOD has a woman director, Christine Allen, who is leading the organisation’s work around the world helping those who are facing poverty, inequality, conflict or climate change.

“As we look ahead, I am especially inspired by the number of young people participating and engaging in CAFOD,” said

CAFOD Director Christian Allen with two former directors Chris Bain and Julian Filochowski.

Allen. “Many of them are of an age to be around to celebrate our 100th anniversary.

“At the Mass we will be giving thanks for their work, as well as that of our global partner organisations, and CAFOD volunteers, supporters and staff, past and present. At this time of war, climate change and the food crisis that is resulting, the need for the help we can give has never been greater.”

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The Catholic News. July 2022

FIX THE FOOD SYSTEM

Join CAFOD's new food campaign

The global food system is broken. It doesn’t work for those who work the hardest – small farmers – and it’s a major driver of the climate emergency.

is fed to animals that are being reared to provide meat. The UK imported about 3.5 million tonnes of soya beans in 2019 and over half of that ended up in chicken feed.

Community land is taken away by these giant businesses, leaving the small farmers with small plots, which reduces their options. Pesticides are used widely, harming people and depleting the soil.

in organic farming, things changed quite dramatically:

4. Millions of people who produce our food are living in poverty themselves

"I get a great deal of vegetables and fruits from my organic farming, which is enough for the family to eat, and which I can sell at the market too. Our village has become a lot greener and healthier after so many of us shifted to organic farming, and the soil has greatly improved.”

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Communities who work with us are leading the way, growing food in ways that are good for people and the planet. We are urging the UK government to fix the food system.

Here are 8 things you didn't know about our food system

1. Our food system is bad for the planet, our common home The way we grow, produce and transport food is responsible for around one third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Huge quantities of pesticides and fertilisers are made using fossil fuels. Forests and rainforests are cut down or burned to make huge areas available for rearing cattle for meat and dairy or to grow soya to feed the animals that we want to eat. Since 1990, around 420 million hectares of forest have been destroyed. This is 17 times the size of the UK. “We had not realised just how big a mistake we had made by moving away from the traditional ways of farming of our forefathers. We had become disconnected from nature, but now we are going back to it again."

Alpona, an eco farmer in Bangladesh

Pope Francis is calling for a change to our food system A man holding his cow-peas grown from seeds donated by Caritas Uganda.

Photo credit: Tommy Trenchard Around 800 million people go hungry each day and the majority of them are those who grow the world’s food. Three-quarters of people facing hunger in the world are living in rural areas and most of them depend on agriculture for their livelihood. 25 per cent of people in Africa are affected by hunger – the continent with the highest proportion.

Of course, hunger is an issue in the UK too, with 9 per cent of adults experiencing food insecurity in January 2022.

5. One third of the food we produce is wasted Around one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. That’s 1.3 billion tonnes of food every year being thrown away globally. The land it takes to provide just the food that we throw away is bigger than the size of India, and the water it takes is equivalent to 300 million Olympic swimming pools. One study found that, in the UK, 9 per cent of strawberries and 19 per cent of lettuces grown ended up as waste.

2. Small-scale farmers have little choice over what they 6. But we produce enough grow food to feed everyone!

Five of every six farms in the world consist of less than two hectares, operate only around 12 percent of all agricultural land, and produce roughly 35 per cent of the world's food. So small-scale farmers are efficient at producing food. But the domination of huge companies known as agribusiness means that they often face little choice about what they grow or how they grow it.

3. More than half of some crops are grown to feed animals reared for meat Four corporations control 60 per cent of global seed sales, and vast areas of the same crop are grown for export, because they are profitable. For example, as much as 80 per cent of all the soya grown across the world

“We had not realised just how big a mistake we had made by moving away from the traditional ways of farming of our forefathers. We had become disconnected from nature, but now we are going back to it again.

To feed the current global population, we need to produce 3.7 billion tonnes of food per year. We are currently producing 4 billion tonnes per year.

7. In the UK we are reliant on other countries for our food Around half of the food we eat in the UK comes from other countries, including 80 per cent of our fruit, 50 per cent of our vegetables, and all of our rice!

8. Returning to traditional ways of farming can help In rural Bangladesh, small farmer Alpona is growing food in a different way. After her community received training from CAFOD

"Each of us has a role to play in transforming food systems for the benefit of people and the planet. If we do not want to jeopardise the health

of our planet and our entire population, we must encourage active participation in change at all levels and reorganise food systems as a whole.”

Pope Francis on World Food Day 2021

How you can play your part to fix the food system We need alternative food systems that help tackle the climate crisis rather than fueling it and that put people first. But rather than supporting these alternatives, the UK government is backing big businesses that are putting profit first and accelerating the climate crisis.

For example, from 2013-2019 the UK spent at least £125.5m of aid money in Nigeria on fossil fuel-based fertiliser, which was five times as much as it spent supporting local farmers.

Urge the UK Government to keep the promises it made at the COP26 climate talks last year and support agricultural systems that tackle the climate crisis as well putting local communities first.

The Catholic News. July 2022

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Cycling Fundraiser for Parish Renovations On the 1st June 2022 my brother, David, and I will be travelling to the French Alps to take on a version of La Marmotte (a cycling event).

We are aiming to complete the 100 mile/160km ride, which will see us complete over 12000ft of climbing and ride up Col Du Glandon, Col Du Telegraph and finish off with Col Du Galibier. The ride should take us around 10 hours to complete. We have been training since January and have currently completed 1000 miles of training. We are completing this challenge to raise funds for the Good Shepherd Church, Woodthorpe, Nottingham building fund. Urgent repairs need to be done to the sides and roof of the church building. This is to ensure the building is water tight and is safe for future use.

drizzle and thunderstorms on the way but thankfully it cleared and we had a day of sun shine. It took us 3 hours to climb Col Du Glandon, 2 hours to climb to Col Du Telegraph. At this point we had done 70 miles. It was getting tough but the only way back to our start point was to keep going. We finally finished with completing Col Du Gaulibier in 3 hours. After this we had a 15 mile down hill run to our finishing point.12,500ft of climbing completed, 5500 calories burnt. Some low points but we made it after 13 hours!

On the 2June, we completed what we set out to do and that was to complete La Marmotte and we did it! We started at 7am with slight

Submitted on behalf of Adrian Staiano

Please support and sponsor our efforts by visiting our Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/g s-cyclingchallenge?utm_term=6wgk43gvm

Platinum Jubilee Crown of Crowns Our completed jubilee Crown had many reasons to be celebrated while commemorating the 70 yrs of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Our crown incoperated the creativeness of the children, donations to chariries of their choice altogether displayed in a silver crown of purple and white flowers.

The flower team at the Good Shepherd Church had a plan in early May to construct a Jubilee Crown, involving the children of the parish. Packs of instructions, templates, oddments of shiny paper and lace etc to decorate were given out after Holy Mass. The children were asked to construct a small crown, and to use if possible bits of wallpaper, thin cardboard from cereal boxes etc. A small silver coin cut out of silver foil was also included, this was to be stuck to the back of the crown, with a note of where they had given their £1 or £2 coin. They could either drop their money into a collection box or ask their families to donate to a charity of their choice.

Crowns were returned to the church so we could begin our idea. The children rose to the challenge, returning beautiful crowns, of the same size but 6 designs, all uniquely decorated in tones of silver and platinum, that captured the light.

The list of charities were noted aswe placed them among the white carnations and purple statice.

The charities supported were the following: CAFOD, Shelter, The Homeless, MacMillan nurses, Alzeimers Society, Olivers meals, Teenage cancer Trust, Water Aid, Young Minds Mental Health, Cancer research, local project in Mansfield and our own Good Shepherd Church.

Submitted by the Flower Guild of the Good Shepherd Church

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DAILY:

The Catholic News. July 2022

St Mary’s School and Parish Derby Unite to Celebrate Our Lady

Holy Holy Mass Mass at 9am at 9am Adoration Evening from 6pm – 7pm Middayand Prayers atPrayer 12 noon

Rosary Adoration and Evening Prayer from 5.45pm – 7pm Every TUESDAY – 8pm.

WEEKLY: Every TUESDAY 7pm7pm – 8.30pm.

BIBLE STUDY: A study of the ACTS OF THE BIBLE STUDY: The book of the APOSTLES, a handbook for the Church of today ACTS of the Apostles, a handbook for the Church today (No meetings on Tuesday 26 July and Tuesday 7th June: Acts 1, 1-26 during August. Back on Tuesday 6 September).

LECTURES IN JULY Thursday 7th July 2.30pm – 3.30pm DO WE HAVE A SPIRITUAL SOUL OR ARE WE MERELY MATERIAL BEINGS? (Many schools of Philosophy today tell us that there is no evidence that we have a spiritual soul or mind: are they right?)

Rosmini Centre, 433 Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SJ Tel. 01509 81 3078; Mob: 07828781537; aabelsito@hotmail.com Why not join our ZOOM group from the comfort of yourhome? Send us your e-mail and we shall send the link.

Can you make a difference?

Have you ever considered becoming a school governor?

Ratcliffe College is currently looking for new governors to join its existing team. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who has: • the desire to support children educationally, pastorally and spiritually • an interest in school performance • experience of strategic planning • an open and inquiring mind • the ability to look at issues objectively • the confidence to ask questions and join in debate • a willingness to listen and to make informed judgements • the ability to work well with others • time to volunteer We welcome applications from everyone but are particularly interested in those with experience in primary and secondary education, law or finance and who are practising Roman Catholics. In terms of time, the minimum commitment would be attendance at four meetings a year, with additional support of one meeting per term attending sub-committees is encouraged.

Ratcliffe College is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, independent boarding and day school in Leicestershire. It has a strong reputation and in the most recent ISI Integrated Inspection was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all areas. As a Governing Body, we have an ambitious 5-year strategic plan to support all of our pupils both educationally and pastorally. Being a school governor is rewarding, bringing you great personal and professional benefits.

On Friday 20th May pupils and staff from St Mary’s Academy in Derby took part in a Marian procession with St Mary’s parishioners.

Pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 walked from the School through Darley Park, praying the Rosary and holding huge collage pictures of Our Lady. Mrs Greaves, the Executive Head, led the procession, holding a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. They were met at the entrance to the park by Fr Gregory Tobin, Fr Phil Heiberg, Fr Tim O’Sullivan, Deacon Chris Blunt and Bishop Raymond from Zimbabwe, whose niece was due to make her First Holy Communion in the parish.

In the park the children split into four groups and went to stations being run by members of the parish, Dolly Smith, Christine Walker,

child placing a petal at Mary’s feet.Fr Phil gave an engaging talk about what Mary means to him; Cleophee and Martin led the prayers and Litany to Our Lady. Veronica Neild played the music for a rousing rendition of ‘As I Kneel Before You.’ The service concluded with the blessing of the newly restored Jesse Tree Sanctuary window by Bishop Raymond.

The window has been a labour of love for the parish who raised all the funds themselves, and they are delighted with the work carried out by Chapel Studios and Mark Eaton Masonry.

The procession continued to St Mary’s Church where we had a beautiful liturgy, with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima being enthroned on a chair covered with pink roses, and every

It is hoped a Marian Procession will become an annual event once again, cementing links between the School and Parish.

By Joel Bryan

A request for help

Enquire about becoming a school governor at RatcliffeCollege today by e-mailing the Clerk to governors Jenni Scothern Scothern.j@yahoo.com

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Daniel Ekumah and Yande Ngosa, at each of these stations they learned about an apparition of our Holy Mother - Our lady of Walsingham, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Kibeho. The pupils and staff enjoyed learning more about appearances of our lady across the globe reminding us we are a global church, and this was a chance to celebrate the diversity of backgrounds within the School and parish.

The children were left with a better understanding of why we pray the Rosary in school every Monday lunchtime.

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Pat McCamley travelled on a Jumbulance in April to help out on a trip to Lourdes, following a 2 year absence due to Covid.

Pat, a group leader and nurse from the Isle of Wight, made the trip as a volunteer. The Jumbulances are custom built coach ambulances especially built to provide long distance transport for people whose medical or physical condition makes normal methods of travel either impossible or impractical.

They are used to provide transport from the UK to Christian pilgrimage centre to Lourdes in South West France for the seriously ill and disabled.

humbling and so worthwhile to make a difference in the lives of others not as fortunate as she is.

Priority is given to those with terminal illness, and those confined to bed or wheelchair. Pat said it was fantastic to be back in Lourdes with Across and that she always finds it

For details of how to volunteer, contact. Lisa O'Connor at Across on 020 3542 1800.

Email: contactus@across.org.uk or visit www.across.org.uk

These trips to Lourdes would not be possible without nurses and they would certainly welcome the help of any other nurse who wished to be a travel volunteer.

The Jumbulance consists of 24 people, 10 of whom are sick or disabled. The other 14 are made up of volunteer carers, nurses and/or a doctor and a Chaplin, who all give their spare time freely and pay their own expenses.

The Catholic News. July 2022

Page 9 God and whether the recipient has the faith to have eyes that see and ears that hear (Matt 13:16). Hopefully through our gestures and spoken words we each offered the Holy Spirit to one another as well as those we encountered during the day, honouring Mary in the process, giving life (John 6:63) and receiving life in turn.

Words “Talk in everlasting words And dedicate them all to me And I will give you all my life ..”

On the Feast of the Visitation, seven parishioners, ranging from a university student to the retired, came together from the three Catholic Churches in Lincoln to undertake a pilgrimage inside Lincoln Cathedral.

We visited 14 sites within the Cathedral using each site to help us to reflect on the words of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) combined with questions and sharing. The day was punctuated by lunch and fellowship in the on-site cafe and concluded with the hymn ‘My soul is filled with joy as

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Thank you to all who contributed to the day and especially the owners of the umbrellas left behind at church, your ‘mishap’ served us in our moment of need; a reminder perhaps that whilst the imp does his best (or worst?) to depress, divide and divert us, it is God, thanks to Jesus through Mary, who has and is the final Word. Glory be to God.

(From the song Words by the Bee Gees)

Following Mass at St Hugh’s Church with a homily by Fr Patrick Bassey, assistant priest, on the importance of carrying the Holy Spirit to others by our bodies and through our words, and after receiving a blessing, we were all set to walk up hill to the Cathedral, when torrential rain temporarily ‘stopped play’. One parishioner had the presence of mind to check lost property and found an array of umbrellas, with all but one in working order, and so, once the rain started easing up, together with a chivalrous gesture by another parishioner, we were able to go on our way.

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Statue of Virgin Mary, Lincoln Cathedral I sing to God my Saviour’ at the Statue of the Virgin Mary. Despite further downpours the rain thankfully passed over and the umbrellas were not needed for the journey home.

Words, embodied, oral and written, characterise The Visitation and they characterised our day in a variety of ways, for example, our gathering as a group, worship at Mass, fellowship over lunch and in reflections on their role in Christian identity and evangelisation. Ultimately though, the power of gestures or words lies not in themselves but whether they originate from God and are for

Imp, Lincoln Cathedral

Focus on Stella Maris and its Ukraine Crisis work on Sea Sunday Sea Sunday (which this year falls on 10th July) is a special time for seafarers and for Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea), the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. This is the day every year when the church celebrates and prays for all those who live and work at sea.

As a global maritime charity, Stella Maris is providing practical and pastoral support to seafarers and fishers in the UK and around the world, including those affected by the war in Ukraine.

seafarers free of charge. It is providing practical and emotional support to Ukrainian seafarers worried about their situation.

In Odesa, Stella Maris’ Ukraine team have remained in the country. They are working with humanitarian agencies to ensure vital food supplies are delivered to seafarers trapped on ships in the Black Sea. They are running a soup kitchen to help families of seafarers in the city.

10th July is Sea Sunday.

Please pray for seafarers and support the Catholic charity ministering to them: Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea).

Many seafarers are stuck in Ukraine unable to escape the fighting and running dangerously low on food and medical supplies. Families of seafarers are desperately trying to flee to the border. Ukrainian seafarers around the world are waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones, and fearful of what will happen when their contracts end.

They are also supporting families of seafarers, especially wives and children, to get to the borders. The refugees are then being helped by the wider Stella Maris network across Europe. In Poland, a Stella Maris centre is providing emergency accommodation to 50 people, mainly women and children. This facility is a vital source of refuge and respite.

Stella Maris is appealing to Catholics throughout the UK to support Sea Sunday.

fishers and seafarers at this critical time by praying for them on Sea Sunday and kindly making a donation to support our work through the link below,” says Stella Maris CEO and European Regional Coordinator, Martin Foley.

In response, Stella Maris is making mobile phone SIM cards available to Ukrainian

“We respectfully appeal to readers of the Catholic Post to support our ministry with

To donate online please www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate

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to

To donate, go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate For all your advertising requirements please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 Natasha@cathcom.org

Page 10

The Catholic News. July 2022

Around our diocese

Celebrating 60 years of St Norbert’s Voluntary Academy with Bishop Patrick McKinney, our parish family and all of our amazing staff and children! Thank you for a wonderful Mass!

Bishop Patrick said � It was good to join in the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Silver Jubilee of Corpus Christi Church, Cleethorpes. He sends his thanks to Fr Andrew & his pastoral team, the musicians & servers & all who prepared the refreshments which followed.

A beautiful Vigil of Pentecost celebration of Confirmation at St Barbara’s Polish Church, Mansfield. Bishop Patrick sends his thanks for the warm welcome and his congratulations to the newly confirmed.

School Chaplains, gathered for a day of catechesis and input.

A very enjoyable musical celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at a very full St Barnabas Cathedral with the Lord Lieutenant and many civic and ecumenical guests joining us from across the city & county.

Page 11

The Catholic News. July 2022

“The Canonisation of the “Universal Brother”, Saint Charles de Foucauld.”

By Fr Jonathan Cotton Part One “In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." Matthew 25:40.

I

t is this passage from Matthew’s Gospel that St Charles de Foucauld identified as the one which most influenced his Vocation.

Brother Charles, as many call him, was one of ten people Canonised by Pope Francis on Sunday 15th May during the celebration of Mass in St Peter’s Square. The other nine Canonised with Brother Charles were: Titus Brandsma, Lazzaro known as Devasahayam, César de Bus, Luigi Maria Palazzolo, Giustino Maria Russolillo, Marie Rivier, Maria Francesca di Gesù Rubatto, Maria di Gesù Santocanale and Maria Domenica Mantovani.

It was joy to concelebrate at the Papal Mass with upwards of a thousand priests, and many thousand more people from around the world filling the Square and overflowing down the via della Conciliazione towards Castel Sant’Angelo. The gathering was a truly memorable experience of that universal brotherhood or universal “fraternity”, longed for by Brother Charles, proclaimed by Pope Francis, especially in his Encyclical Letter on Fraternity & Social Friendship, Fratelli Tutti, and desperately sought today by the millions in the human family who are broken by their

experience of war, displacement, migration, homelessness and famine.

I am part of the Jesus Caritas Clergy Fraternities and spend a day of prayer, reflection, food and friendship once a month with four other members of the Clergy in our Diocese. We encourage each other to explore and live out the spirituality of St. Charles de Foucauld. 120 priests and deacons belong to these fraternities in England and Wales and many more lay people meet in their own groups. I was able to represent the English & Welsh Clergy at the various events in Rome.

Who was St Charles de Foucauld?

Born in France in 1858 and killed in Algeria 1916, Charles de Foucauld was a French aristocrat and Religious, whose work and writings led to the founding of the Congregations of the Little Brothers of Jesus and The Little Sisters of Jesus, and inspiring at least 18 other religious orders and associations for priests, religious and lay people.

During his adventurous life, he was orphaned when 6 and lived with his maternal grandparents. He inherited a large fortune.

Losing his faith as a teenager, he became a second lieutenant in the French Army having to decide between living with his mistress or continuing in the Army. He decided on the

latter and fought with his comrades in the South of Oran, Algeria. He left the army to become an explorer and geographer in Morocco, winning a gold award for his published maps and findings. His encounter with the fervent faith of Muslims impressed him and challenge him to renew his own faith, having a profound conversion experience in the Confessional in October 1886.

For six years he became a Trappist Monk, but left to live a more austere life as a servant of the Poor Clare’s in Nazareth and Jerusalem.

He was persuaded to be ordained a priest, choosing the life of a hermit. He had started to write his own plans for a religious order but nobody was able to join him in his very austere lifestyle. With the help of his military friends, he lived among the Tuareg Tribes in Algeria’s Sahara Desert, first in Beni Abbes and finally in Tamanrasset. He translated the Gospel into Tuareg, and the local poems into French. He lived a life of prayer, meditation and adoration, growing in friendship and loving service of his Muslim Tuareg brothers and sisters. He lived the Gospel of charity rather than preached the Gospel. He was inspired by “the hidden life” of Jesus in Nazareth before Jesus’ public ministry.

Brother Charles’ door was open to all, including the French soldiers who came for spiritual guidance. He had an incessant desire

Saint Charles de Foucauld, 1858 – 1916. to be, for each person, a "universal brother", a living image of the love of Jesus. On the evening of December 1, 1916, he was killed by a group of marauding Tuareg bandits. For sixteen years his life and mission was unknown, until a group of friends persuaded Rene Basin, a well known French writer, to write a biography. This inspired the founding of religious orders and lay groups to follow the example of Brother Charles.

Brother Charles is considered to be one of the pioneers of interreligious dialogue. He witnessed to his faith above all through his quiet example, evangelising first without words, trying to live the Gospel through deep prayer and adoration, together with friendship and service to the people he came to know. His life and faith-witness could easily make him a model for "human fraternity" that Pope Francis has so often mentioned in his writings and talks.

Continued in the August edition

Book Review Formation of the Heart The WHY and HOW of being a Catholic today

By Raymond Friel Redemptorist Publications £12.95 - www.rpbooks.co.uk (All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to Caritas Social Action Network formation programmes) At a time when the stresses and strains within the Church have never been so depressingly apparent, Raymond Friel’s carefully considered take on the why and how of being a Catholic, in the fractured world in which we live, is eerily resonant of God’s response to Job: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations?” (Job: 38:4) Within days of my receiving this book I read Cardinal Grech’s homily in Oxford at a conference of Synodality where he spoke with devastating frankness about the divisions within the Church about which it has chosen to be silent: “The clearest example which

comes to everyone’s mind is the sexual abuse crisis that the Church went through and …. what about the general silence concerning the deep divisions within the Catholic Church?”

Where would a Synod start to address such a disheartening admission by one of Pope Francis’ most trusted Cardinals?

While it is good to face up to the disfigured reality of life in the Church of our times, and indeed to have a good Job like rant about it, we can all too readily lose sight of the fact that this is the same Church to which we remain indebted for being the surest conduit to the faith the apostles encountered first hand and which we now share.

Putting my own cards on the table and recalling, that a pivotal moment in my faith development, my own Damascene conversion, coincided with my simultaneously studying Job and Gaudium et Spes in the mid to late sixties. The twin, but vitally connected lessons of the nature of God and the mission of the Church, were transformative. However, in the fifty plus years since, that inspiring vision has waxed and waned within the Church, frequently leaving one feeling disappointed with the institution but still finding daily sustenance sacramentally, prayerfully and spiritually.

Against this potentially discouraging background, Raymond Friel, by seeking answers to the questions he poses, has drawn back the veil and taken his readership, and may they be many, on a journey of re-discovery to, quoting his final sentence, finding that “The Church, for all its flaws, is a place of nurture,

a wise mother who can keep us on the path of grace and truth.”

The book is aimed at a wide audience who, for whatever reason, have not had an opportunity to develop an understanding of their faith or indeed, for those also who would benefit from that energising surge that accrues when insightful understanding, accompanied by inducement to a deeper spiritual awareness, warms the heart, stretches the mind and becomes formational in the best sense.

Although the author claims that this is not an academic book, it portrays a scholarship that is sure footed in its choice of sources and supported by an easily accessible indexing at the end of each chapter which offers an option for the enquiring mind to delve deeper. What Raymond Friel does is to invite readers into the wider, synodal style, conversation, facilitated by notes and thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter. In a real sense each chapter opens a window into a wider conversation, deeper study, prayerful engagement and renewed mission.

This is the work of an intuitive theologian who has learned his craft by immersion as a reflective practitioner in Catholic education and now in his new role as Director of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN). His teacher’s facility with language, allied to an acquired degree of theological literacy makes this an engaging read. The compelling message and the spiritually immersed messenger are well matched. Always highlighting, like the Book of Job, that the ultimate meaning of life and faith is only revealed in an encounter with the

sacred presence of God, the book constantly brings the reader back to the possibility of such a life defining encounter whether the subject of the chapter is scriptural, theological, spiritual or mission focussed.

While I can claim to have read more specialised books on scripture, theology, spirituality and mission, that all offered a deeper specialised understanding, I have no recollection of reading such a holistic, articulate and accessible appraisal of the richness of the Church’s treasure of a living faith in Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word of God. Neither have I read a book that so powerfully compels me to engage in the Church’s declaration for a preferential option for the poor. As Pope Francis insists: “if the Church disowns the poor, she ceases to be the Church of Jesus: she falls back on the old temptation to become a moral or intellectual elite.”

If the Synodal Church is looking for a primer textbook it need look no further. There is an eight week course of formation cascading off these pages and that is just one of the many possibilities that will ensure that it stands a good chance of being highlighted and annotated to death. The possibility of this book gathering dust on a shelf is simply inconceivable.

Heed the author’s own invitation in his introduction: “Come in and wander around. See where the gaps are, ask your own questions.

Join the conversation.”

Willie Slavin

Page 12

The Catholic News. July 2022

This article is an extract from Dr Paul Dixon's forthcoming book, The Road Pilgrim. Over the coming months we shall be publishing extracts. For more details, email: info@theroadpilgrim.com

The Road Pilgrim Part Five - Signs Signs, development of: Guideposts at parish crossroads became common in Britain following the General Turnpike Act of 1773. Known as ‘fingerposts’ because of their shape, they are a useful symbol for the moral and spiritual life.1 Moral norms like fingerposts, point the way to desirable human behaviour (God’s will). In the spiritual life, human beings, by what they say and do can be loving signs pointing the way to God. A directional signpost, by definition, points away from itself. Similarly, the essence of a human being is to point, not to oneself, but to God. What makes us truly human, is our ability to point to God. One cannot be a sign for God if pointing to oneself. The late Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar coined the terms ego-drama and theo-drama. We point to ourselves when starring centre-stage in our ego-drama; we point to God when we accept whatever role we are offered in the theodrama. In what direction are you pointing?

Signs and symbols: Traffic signs use symbols to communicate their messages efficiently and effectively.

Christianity also uses images to help

communicate the Christian message.

Christian iconography dates back to at least the third century, while church stained glass windows date from the seventh.

During the Great Schism of 1054 when Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity split from each other, icons were one area of controversy. Religious icons aid prayer but some people worshipped the icon rather than what they represent. Modern day readers are more familiar with icons on their mobile phones and other electronic devices. You use (go through) an icon to something else, perhaps a particular phone app such as Google Maps, a word document, or the ability to phone or text.

The Greek word for icon is eikenai meaning ‘to resemble’, ‘to be like’. Clearly, it is odd if one fascinates over phone app icons, yet fail to use the app to reach the ‘real thing’. This reflects the misuse of religious icons within Christianity, a failure to worship God through the icons. The same mistake happens when people worship nature, people and human artefacts, rather than finding God through them.

Stained glass windows can also be misused.

How often we admire their beauty yet fail to discern the artistic message therein. We might also think of ourselves as living stained glass windows. A stained glass window needs sunlight; no sunlight, no beauty and no artistic message. We are nothing without God. Without God we point to the darkness of our egos, rather than the light of God. A sunbeam shining through stained glass sends its rays in many directions. Who knows the good effects we have on others when we allow the love of God to shine.

Signs, types of: Traffic signs fall into three basic types, those that inform, those that warn, and those that give orders. Traffic signs make useful metaphors for understanding the parenting role within our individual families and the Church family.

Orders lovingly given are a part of the discipline of younger children. Establishing boundaries and fostering responsibility are love in action. With teenagers, it’s more to do

with lovingly warning and informing. Parents of adult children inform (support) from the side line with perhaps the occasional warning if need be. Whatever the type of sign offered, one hopes the recipient latches onto the value behind the sign.

Order signs also have a place within the Church-human family relationship, even though some people find them unpalatable.

Non-negotiable Church teaching (i.e. the orders) exist because of the Church’s mandate to guide the faithful into the truth. It is only doing its job! When rejected, one hopes it is for a good cause and with a good heart.

Nevertheless, perhaps Church teaching is in need of a little repackaging. Maybe if the Church communicated Christian values less by orders and more by warning and informing, the human family might be more responsive. Same values yet articulated differently.

1 Fingerposts are shaped like an arm and hand with finger pointing the way.

2-in-1 Crossw ord

by Axe

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

Angel is originally sadistic, and threatening and nasty (5) 21 One quiet small US state imbibed whiskey (5) 22 Tooting, when passing over an abbey in France? (3) QUICK Across 1 Friend of Amnon, 'a very shrewd man' (7) 5 Another name for Elymas: Bar ----- (5) 8 Empire which ruled Palestine and Asia Minor in NT times (5) 9 Chapel of the Vatican whose ceiling was famously painted by Michelangelo (7) 10 First Christian martyr (7) 11 Leader of the Gittites (5) 13 Orlande de ------, with Palestrina and Victoria, the three giants of late medieval Church 18 (6) 15 Vale where the Israelites cut a cluster of grapes as proof of the Promised Land's bounty (6) 18 Integral aspect of many church services (5) 20 Son of Moses and Zipporah (7) 22 Name applied for a group of 19th century nonconformist chapels (7) 23 The second patriarch; son of Abraham and Sarah (5) 24 Priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter (5) 25 Lack of belief in the existence of God or gods (7) QUICK Down 1 Holy city for Jews and Christians and Muslims (9) 2 Fourth book of the Pentateuch (7) 3 Daughter of Leah and Jacob (5) 4 Ferruccio ------, one of many to have composed a version of Ave Maria (1877) (6) 5 Followers of Ignatius of Loyola (7) 6 Holy person deemed worthy of canonization (5) 7 Bishopric (3) 12 8 province from 27 AD, covering much of the eastern Adriatic and Balkan interior (9)

14 Having a physical or moral blemish so as to make impure (7) 16 Maurizio -------, important early 17th century composer and maestro di cappella at Bologna (7) 17 OT empire created by Cyrus the Great and destroyed by Alexander the Great (6) 19 Adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell (5) 21 Scots Gaelic (5) 22 Influential Benedictine abbey of Normandy at the time of the Conqueror (3) SOLUTION Across: 1 Jonadab, 5 Jesus, 8 Roman, 9 Sistine, 10 Stephen, 11 Ittai, 13 Lassus, 15 Eshcol, 18 Music, 20 Eliezer, 22 Bethels, 23 Isaac, 24 Canon, 25 Atheism. Down: 1 Jerusalem, 2 Numbers, 3 Dinah, 4 Busoni, 5 Jesuits, 6 Saint, 7 See, 12 Illyricum, 14 Unclean, 16 Cazzati, 17 Persia, 19 Satan, 21 Irish, 22 Bec.

CRYPTIC Across 1 Samuel's crafty man, cursed sailor almost catches fish (7) 5 When in Paris I discover Ecclesiasticus' Ben Sira (5) 8 Paul's detailed letter describing the Empire (5) 9 'Papae Sixti nisi est' is translated in chapel (7) 10 Move against female martyr (7) 11 One of two helping David find themselves amongst rabbit tails (5) 13 American girl's written first 18 for the 8 Church (6) 15 Abram's Amorite ally, Chloe's opposite (6) 18 Microphone, small American contribution to St Cecilia's art (5) 20 Abram's servant high priest announced 'easy', being first to Rebekah (7) 22 Girl, old golfing type, attends Baptist chapels (7) 23 Savings account he's almost sacrificed (5) 24 Chaplain of Artillery's name is forgotten (5) 25 Morning, is he wrong in thinking there are no Gods? (7) CRYPTIC Down 1 Parry's hymn from John's first letter includes line in dubious measure (9) 2 Some Old Testament volumes (7) 3 Had Ulster divided, all over Jacob's daughter (5) 4 Vehicle to get to old Number One: was it Ave Maria for him?

(6) 5 Society of 5 business types follow the first person in speaking French (7) 6 Being second in the East End isn't one of the blessed dead (5) 7 View bishop's domain (3) 12 Sick with icy rum, plying, 8s said, this part Aegean coast (9) 14 One relative, the first maybe to describe lepers in the Bible (7) 16 Old footballer swapping cap? It's over for one writing 18 for the 8 Church (7) 17 Biblical country, to scupper Siamese, partly invaded (6) 19